Japan

Over the centuries, two main branches of Buddhism emerged: a transmission that traveled to Southeast Asia, and a transmission that evolved in East Asia. A further offshoot of the northern transmission also developed. All three branches began in India, and developed further as they moved across Asia.

During the Edo period, Nanga (southern painting) or Bunjinga (scholar or literati painting) artists took a form of Chinese painting as their model. Learn more.

Learn about Japan’s refined form of floral arrangement, known as ikebana (“to arrange and give life to flowers”).

Mary-Ann Milford of Mills College discusses Shinto art and architecture.

Mary-Ann Milford of Mills College gives a talk on prehistoric Japan and early ceramics of the period.

European art and culture had a significant impact in Japan, both before and during the period of self-imposed isolation.

Katsura River Style Flower Basket, approx. 1870-1920. By Iizuka Hosai I (1851-1916). Bamboo (madake), selected techniques: twill plaiting, diamond twill base. Lloyd Cotsen Japanese Bamboo Basket Collection, 2006.3.49.

Learn about the objects found in the alcove (Japanese: tokonoma, pronounced “toe-ko-no-ma”) of a traditional Japanese teahouse and the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Inro with map of Japan, 1670-1722. By Shiomi Masanari (Japanese, 1647 – approx. 1722), Lacquered wood with sprinkled metallic powder (maki-e) decoration. Gift of Dr. Joseph Kushner, 2014.6. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.